Books
《逃走的人》
The Runaways (2024)
Nonfiction
Introduction
This book follows a group of young people in China who chose to leave high-pressure urban life and settle in smaller cities such as Hegang, Yanjiao, and Hebi.
Through their stories, it traces forms of withdrawal, solitude, and alternative ways of living, reflecting on the pressures of contemporary society and shifting ideas of value, freedom, and selfhood.
Review
"Li Yingdi's writing is emotional and warm, with a keen perspective deeply rooted in reality. The Runaways is a work of nonfiction that not only allows readers to rediscover the choices young people are making today but also prompts them to reflect on the meaning of life and the essence of an ideal way of living. It has resonated deeply with contemporary readers, evoking a strong sense of empathy and connection."— Award Citation, Harvest Literary Award
"None of the runaways Li spoke to regretted their decisions to move to Hegang. Holing up in a warm, lit place of their own in the city's long, dark winters feels soothing compared to standing under the harsh glare of fluorescent lights on a factory floor, or manning the reception desk in a noisy, cigarette smoke-filled karaoke parlor. Observed from distance, however, the runaways' desire for an anchor in life is often mistaken for a lack of grit."
The book has been acquired by a South Korean publisher and is set to be published in Korea in 2026.
Awards
- Dao Feng Book Prize — Nonfiction Author of the Year
- Harvest Literary Award — Annual Selection for Long-form Nonfiction
- Douban — Nonfiction Book of the Year (2024)
